Dr. Firew Bekele has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation accused of writing a book critical of the government. Bekele denies writing it but acknowledges helping with writing it. Being detained in this regard is a violation of his human rights to free expression and speech. CCS has written to the new Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and recent winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, ... Continue Reading>>
Ethiopian Opposition Leader Freed
Merera Gudina, leader of the Oromo Federalist Congress - government opposition party to the current administration, was released from prison on January 17, 2018. He was released with over 100 political prisoners held in a prison outside of Adis Ababa, and another 350 prisoners held elsewhere. Prime Minister Desalegn Hailemariam announced that jailed "politicians" would have their cases annulled ... Continue Reading>>
Political Science Professor, Former Member of Parliament Arrested in Ethiopia
Dr. Merera Gudina, a political science professor and former member of parliament and leader of the Oromo people in Ethiopia ha been arrested upon returning from a meeting of the European Parliament. He was tried on May 4, 2017 when his counsel objected to the charges but the prosecution denied the objection. On July 7 court is to announce its verdict. Hailemariam Dessalegn FDRE Prime ... Continue Reading>>
Seyoum Teshome, Ethiopian University Lecturer Detained
Seyoum Teshome, University Lecturer in Ethiopian, detained. Reason unknown, but it is suspected that he had posted anti-government information on his blog and on Facebook. CCS encourages his immediate release. July 5, 2017 Hailemariam Dessalegn Prime Minister FDRE Prime Minister Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: +251 11 122 6292 Your Excellency: The Committee of Concerned ... Continue Reading>>
Dr. Merrera Gudina, Ethiopia, Hearing Scheduled for July 7, 2017
Dr. Merera Gudina, former professor of political science at Addis Ababa University and chair of the Oromo Federalist Congress will return to court for a verdict ruling on charges related to his peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association on July 7, 2017. July 5, 2017 Hailemariam Dessalegn FDRE Prime Minister Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: +251 11 122 ... Continue Reading>>
Political Science Professor and Former Member of Parliament Arrested
Dr. Merera Gudina, a political science professor who is also a former Member of Parliament and a leader in asserting the political interests of the Oromo people of Ethiopia, was arrested on November 30 upon his return to Ethiopia after a meeting at the European Parliament. We believe he was detained because of his association at that meeting with Olympic marathon silver-medalist Feyisa Lilesa ... Continue Reading>>